Warsaw officials are asking residents to clear debris from stormwater drains if they see it is clogged. The effort is an attempt to reduce flooding ahead of heavy rain expected this weekend. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

WARSAW — City officials are urging residents to prepare for possible flooding ahead of heavy rain starting Friday.

Four or more inches of rain is expected over the next 48 hours, bringing a threat of flash flooding and flooding in low areas over the next several days, according to a news release from the city.

Residents are asked to check storm drains and curb gutters Friday ahead of Saturday’s heavy rains. If the drains are clogged, they should be cleared of debris. If a storm drain is blocked and is unable to be cleared by residents, please call the Warsaw Public Works Department at (574) 372-956. Crews will be dispatched for assistance.

The city Public Works Department will have sandbags available for delivery to city residents if the need arises. Call (574) 372-9561 during business hours.  After business hours, call Central Dispatch at (574) 267-5667. Sandbags will be delivered to the resident’s driveway. Crews do not place the sandbags. The city recommends the use of a plastic liner with sandbags to stop the penetration of water.

For those who live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, the city urges residents to have a plan in place to evacuate should the water levels start approaching unsafe levels.

City officials will continue to monitor changing conditions and respond accordingly throughout the weekend. Any significant updates will be posted to the city’s Facebook page, said the news release.

The National Weather Service predicts total rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are likely across the watch area. The heaviest rainfall rates are expected Friday night through Saturday morning, especially in embedded thunderstorms.

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on the current forecast.